Local Mormon Missionary speaks out on real responsibilities

The Book of Mormon was first published in English in 1830. Today the Book of Mormon is available in nearly 100 languages.

As the Book of Mormon musical tour recently ended, I received an email from a local Mormon missionary. Elder Adams, from Concord, California, was a young man I had met at Church who had been serving in my local congregation.

He and his missionary companion had been to my home for dinner once or twice, meeting my family and sharing wonderful messages of Jesus Christ.

In his email, this valiant young man shared such a beautiful account of the Book of Mormon and what missionaries actually do that I just had to share it.

Picture a man opening his front door and stepping out to the porch. Squinting as the late morning light penetrates the sky, he looks up and sees two young men riding their bikes.

One of them is tall and thin, the other short and stout. Both have on a white shirt and tie. He chuckles to himself and raises his eyebrow in wonder. Who are those boys and why do they do what they do?

Elder Adams on the left with his companion Elder Johnson

Hello. I am Elder Adams. I am a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints–often called the Mormon Church. Allow me to give you a VIP, behind-the-scenes look into my world.

I rise at 6:30 every morning and prayerfully begin the early hours of the day. I do this because of my deep, life changing belief that God is my Father as He is yours (see Romans 8:16). He wants to communicate with us. He decided to accomplish this through prayer. What a glorious reality! I hope you see how a firm belief in God can shape a young man’s heart.

Every morning from 8 to 11 a.m., I devote my time to studying the word of God. For me, it is the words of the Lord flowing from the lips of the Prophets. During this time God communicates to me through his Holy Spirit the truths found in the scriptures. I devote the rest of my day (until 9 p.m) to inviting people to act on those words–that is, the words recorded in the Bible and the Book of Mormon.

Elders Johnson & Adams

I sense a questioning look on my reader’s face. Perhaps you’re wondering why I devote myself for two years, day in and day out, to this cause. You may ask, ‘Elder Adams, why do you spend your days talking to strangers? Why do you focus on the Bible and the Book of Mormon? And what is the Book of Mormon in the first place!?’ Hold on, allow me to explain.

I believe the Bible, when translated correctly, to be the word of God. I also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God. The Bible contains two accounts of Jesus Christ found in both the Old and New Testaments. The Book of Mormon is another Testament, an additional witness, of Jesus Christ.

Additionally, while the Bible is an ancient record that contains God’s dealings with man in and around Jerusalem, the Book of Mormon is an ancient record of God’s dealings with man on the American continent. The Book of Mormon contains the fullness of Christ’s everlasting Gospel. Many doubt us Mormons because of our belief in this wonderful book.

Elder Johnson and Adams present a copy of The Book of Mormon to an honest seeker of the truth.

My belief in Jesus Christ, the Book of Mormon, and the Bible lay a foundation for who I am. This is why I do what I do. We, as missionaries, believe it our duty to “teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” (see Matthew 28:18). What an amazing work we do!

But how can you know about these truths I’ve discussed? Read the Book of Mormon along with the Bible and figure out the truth for yourself. If you don’t have a Book of Mormon or a Bible I’ll give you one. I’m with you every step of the way. I tried to answer your questions in this article but you’ll have more. Feel free to call my mission office at 281-565-7117.